Smoke and Fire Restoration Services
At American Heritage Environmental LLC, we understand the havoc that fire and smoke can wreak on your property. Our fire damage restoration services are designed to bring your home or commercial building back to life. With our 24/7 emergency services, you can count on us to respond swiftly and efficiently. Whether it's the aftermath of wildfires or a localized fire incident, our trained professionals have the expertise and equipment to handle all types of fire and smoke damage cleanup.
Southern California Wildfire Recovery
In recent years, wildfires have devastated Southern California, with incidents like the Thomas Fire, which scorched 281,893 acres and destroyed over 1,000 structures. This fire became the largest wildfire in California's history. Many homes and commercial properties across the Los Angeles area have been significantly impacted by fire and smoke damage. At American Heritage Environmental (AHE), we specialize in fire and smoke damage restoration. Our experienced team has the expertise, equipment, and knowledge to restore properties affected by fire and smoke, ensuring a safe and thorough recovery.
Fire Types and Restoration Needs
Different types of fires require distinct approaches to restoration. These include:
Natural Fires
Fires involving trees, shrubs, and other vegetation that result in smoke residue and odors entering the structure from the outside.
Furnace Malfunctions
Smoke distribution caused by the malfunction of oil-fired furnaces affecting the property.
Protein Fires
Fires caused by food burning in the oven or stove, leaving burnt-food odors and smoke residue.
Complex Fires
Fires that involve both synthetic and natural materials, leaving behind synthetic smoke odors, black residue, and requiring emergency corrosion mitigation.
Types of Damage Caused by Fire and Smoke
Fire and smoke damage can extend far beyond the visible destruction:
Preventing Health Issues Caused by Fire and Smoke Residue
After a fire, the chemicals released can linger in soot and ash, making thorough cleanup essential to protect human health. Our smoke and fire restoration services help prevent further damage to your property and reduce health risks. Residues left by fire and smoke, such as soot, ash, and odors, can have adverse health effects if not thoroughly removed. These contaminants can cause issues such as:
Toxic Materials in Smoke and Soot
The degree of toxicity in smoke and soot varies depending on the materials burned. Common toxic materials found during fire restoration include:
Asbestos Fibers: Often found in building materials used from the 1950s to 1980s.
Carbon Monoxide, Ammonia, Hydrogen, Nitrogen Oxides, and Tar: Released from burned carbon-based materials.
Chemicals: Produced by the partial oxidation of hydrocarbons.
Hydrogen Chloride and Toxic Chemicals: Released when PVC is burned.
Smoke and Fire Damage Cleanup
Smoke and fire residues are biohazards that require immediate and thorough remediation. If not addressed properly, these residues can lead to serious health problems. Our professional team at AHE is fully equipped and trained to handle fire and smoke damage restoration, ensuring the job is done safely and efficiently. Time is crucial in these situations. Even after the fire is out, smoke can continue to cause further damage to your property. If smoke has penetrated or coated surfaces, it can affect the integrity of walls, ceilings, metal, tiles, and fabrics unless fully removed. Our team utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and industry-leading techniques to remove smoke, soot, and ash from your property. We will ensure all contaminated materials, such as flooring, insulation, and furnishings, are properly disposed of and will work to restore items that can be salvaged.